Bernard L. Shientag

Bernard Lloyd Shientag (April 13, 1887 – May 23, 1952), was a Jewish-American lawyer and judge from New York.

Life Shientag was born on April 13, 1887, in New York City, New York, the son of Solomon Shientag and Fannie Jacobs.

Shientag graduated from the College of the City of New York with an A.B. in 1904, Columbia Law School with an LL.B. in 1908, and Columbia University School of Political Science with an A.M. in 1908. He was admitted to the bar in 1908 and practiced law in the office of James, Schell & Elkus. He then worked as associate counsel of the state factory investigating committee from 1911 to 1915. In 1913, he was an assistant in the bill drafting department. In 1918, he was an examiner in the office of the President of the New York City Board of Alderman, Al Smith. From 1919 to 1920, he was chief counsel of the New York State Industrial Commission. thumb Henry D. Sayer (left) discussing the job with his successor, Shientag, as Industrial Commissioner In 1923, Governor Smith appointed him Industrial Commissioner and head of the New York State Department of Labor. At different points during that time he served as a member and counsel of the State Housing Commission, the Child Welfare Commission, and the Cloak and Suit Industry Mediation Commission. He was also named Federal Director of Employment of the State of New York.

Shientag was in Governor Smith's inner circle of advisors in the governor's push for progressive legislation. In 1924, the governor appointed him a Justice on the City Court. He was elected to the office in 1925. In 1930, Governor Roosevelt appointed him to the New York Supreme Court. He was elected to a full term later that year. He was designated to the Appellate Term from 1934 to 1935 and 1938. In 1947, Governor Dewey appointed him to the Appellate Division, First Judicial Department. He sat as Justice on that court until his death. In 1950, he was one of the justices that disbarred Alger Hiss from practicing in the state of New York. He also wrote a number of books and essays on legal topics. In 1938, he married Florence Perlow. They had no children.

Shientag died at home from a heart attack on May 23, 1952. He was buried in Mount Judah Cemetery in Ridgewood.